COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccine

It's important to get your seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccinations if you're at higher risk of getting seriously ill from these illnesses. Seasonal vaccines are offered because viruses change, and protection fades over time.

COVID-19 vaccine

COVID-19 vaccination is effective and the safest way to protect yourself from COVID-19. 

COVID-19 vaccines are normally given seasonally, but some people with a severely weakened immune system may need additional protection at other times. The NHS will contact you if your NHS record suggests you may be eligible for a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine.

There are several different COVID-19 vaccines in use in the UK. They have all met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness. You cannot choose which COVID-19 vaccine you have. Most people can have any of the COVID-19 vaccines and you will be offered a vaccine that is suitable for you.

Find out more about the COVID-19 vaccination. Find out more about why vaccination is important and the safest way to protect yourself.

Who?

Autumn 2024 programme

You may be eligible if you are:

  • aged 65 years and over 
  • individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed
  • a resident in a care home for older adults
  • frontline NHS and social care workers.

If you have never been vaccinated before, or if you only had one dose, you can still get your seasonal vaccination. You only need one COVID-19 vaccination during the seasonal period (if you are aged 5 or over). It must be at least 3 months (91 days) since your last COVID-19 vaccination.

Who else can get a COVID-19 vaccine?

  • If you have had a stem cell transplant or CAR-T therapy, your specialist may advise you that you need re-vaccination against COVID-19. Speak to your specialist or GP for advice.

Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine for travel or other purposes?

  • If you are not in an eligible group, it is not currently possible to access COVID-19 vaccination on the NHS or privately in England. The NHS website has more information about who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination.

When?

Vaccinations will be available from Thursday 3 October 2024 by attending a walk-in clinic, or you can book your appointment through the National Booking Service when this opens on Monday 23 September.

How?

You can book a vaccination appointment on the National Booking System (NBS) from Monday 23 September 2024. 

If you require a home visit due to being housebound, please contact your specialist or GP practice.  If they have been unable to organise a home visit for your vaccination, please contact our Patient Experience Team on 0800 279 2535 or by calling cpicb.pet@nhs.net. You can also visit their webpage.

Alternatively, please check our walk-in page to find your nearest walk-in clinic.

Treatment and lateral flow tests

If you (or someone you look after) are in a group of people at highest risk you should have a pack of five COVID-19 lateral flow device (LFD/LFT) tests to keep at home, in case you develop COVID-19 symptoms.

Information on COVID-19 treatment and how you can obtain lateral flow device (LFD/LFT) tests is available here: Coronavirus (COVID-19) | CPICS Website

Easy read

Why do I need a COVID-19 vaccine?

The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines are safe, effective and free. They give you the best protection against COVID-19. They will help your body fight COVID-19 without getting poorly.  Click here for an easy read guide to the COVID-19 vaccine.

If you would prefer to watch a video, please have a look at this video on YouTube.